Pediatric urolithiasis in Tunisia: a multi-centric study of 525 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate retrospectively the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, and method of treatment of childhood urolithiasis, a major urological problem in Tunisia.


METHODS
The records of 525 children with urolithiasis treated in Tunisia between 1990 and 2004 were reviewed in a multi-centric study with regard to age at diagnosis, sex, history, and physical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. Metabolic evaluation when performed included serum electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, 24-h urine collection for calcium and creatinine, and a sodium nitroprusside test for cystine. In all cases urine specimens were sent for culture.


RESULTS
The stone was located in the upper tract in 420 (80%) and lower tract in 105 children. Of the urine cultures, 40% were positive. Metabolic investigation was performed in 201 patients and was normal in 170 (84%). Urinary stasis secondary to a urinary tract anomaly that led to the formation of stones was found in 77 patients. Stones were treated by surgery (80%), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (5%) and ureteroscopic extraction (4%), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed in 10 patients (2%). The stone passed spontaneously in 9% of cases.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of ESWL and endourological methods of treatment for childhood urolithiasis must be generalized, with open surgery being reserved for particular and complex cases.
Jallouli
M
M
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. jallouli75@yahoo.fr
Jouini
R
R
Sayed
S
S
Chaouachi
B
B
Houissa
T
T
Ayed
M
M
Jemni
M
M
Mhiri
N
N
Najjar
M F
MF
Mhiri
R
R
Nouri
A
A